TEMPLE SINAI Where every heart has a home
“Brick, mortar and stone make up the physical building of the synagogue, but the heart and soul of Temple Sinai is a warm and welcoming home to those who seek a meaningful connection to Judaism. Temple Sinai is our place to study during Minyan, worship with friends and neighbors, celebrate good times and be cared for during difficult times. We never enter the building without someone greeting us warmly. We have been members for over 55 years and our feelings about Temple Sinai just keep getting stronger all the time … This is our religious home.” - BARBARA AND SANDY K.
EVERY HEART HAS A HOME AT TEMPLE SINAI AS THE LARGEST REFORM SYNAGOGUE ON LONG ISLAND, we offer a warm, welcoming and nurturing home to all those who seek a meaningful and enduring connection to Judaism. Each week, our classrooms, sanctuary and meeting halls are teeming with students and seniors, toddlers and teenagers, B’nei Mitzvah students and adult learners, all experiencing the excitement, warmth and sense of connection for which Temple Sinai is known. Our commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Tzedakah (charity) touches and accents everything we do. Our devotion to the Jewish people and to the State of Israel is firm and enduring. Jews of all ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as Jews-by-choice and interfaith families are an integral part of our Temple Sinai family. Temple Sinai is dedicated to celebrating Shabbat, lifecycle events and holidays in meaningful, spiritual ways. Our Shabbat services only begin once we have warmly welcomed everyone into our sanctuary. Our voices rise in song and harmony, enhanced by musical instruments. Live streaming of our services enables those who are not in close proximity to be part of our inspirational worship. We are thrilled to celebrate the joy of Judaism with you.
Come home to Judaism. Come home to Temple Sinai! L’Shalom, Rabbi Michael A. White
Rabbi Ilana Schachter
Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz
Cantor Sergei Schwartz
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER TEMPLE SINAI EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER is a safe, supportive, and positive environment for play-based learning and exploration. Infused with and inspired by Jewish traditions and values, our emergent curriculum fosters curiosity, confidence, and growth. Our team recognizes the individual strengths and abilities of each child and is dedicated to helping them reach their greatest potential. Most importantly, our classrooms are filled with learning, laughter, and love. Just as every child’s learning profile is unique, we also recognize the diverse childcare needs of every family. Whether you are looking for a full-day experience for your child, a part-time opportunity to enhance social skills, or something in between, TSECC has the perfect option for your family! Children aged six-weeks to five-years-old flourish in our program. Flexible hours beginning at 7:00am and ending at 6:00pm are designed to meet the needs of all of our families. Color your days at Temple Sinai Early Childhood Center.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL EDUCATION IS A TOP PRIORITY AT TEMPLE SINAI and the Religious School prepares our children to take an active role in the future of the larger Jewish community. Our children grow up with a firm understanding of what it means to be a Reform Jew; they develop fluency in prayerbook Hebrew and strengthen their Jewish identity. Our focus is on offering the perfect combination of learning and fun, and, therefore, includes experiential programs, trips, social action projects and holiday celebrations. Teachers use a variety of learning modalities, including Jewish art, music, library, technology and ritual celebrations to complement classroom learning. Our flexible learning models are designed with one- and twoday options to fit the needs of our families. Membership is not required for enrollment in grades K-2, and our school continues to grow and prosper. We are proudly committed to our children, our future.
TEEN PROGRAMS AS THE LARGEST CONGREGATIONAL TEEN PROGRAM IN THE GREATER NEW YORK AREA, more than 120 teens join us annually to deepen their Jewish education, repair the world, connect to each other and thrive in a safe environment. By offering unique programs all week long, we’ve made post B’nei Mitzvah engagement accessible to everyone. Our offerings include an advocacy training program, a tzedakah fantasy football league and a mentorship program for homeless children in New York City. The 10th grade Confirmation students meet weekly with Rabbi White to discuss relevant issues through a Reform Jewish lens. Meeting with the clergy is a cherished experience for our teens, and establishes a connection that extends well beyond their high school years. Teens registered in all of our programs are considered part of our senior youth group, SORTY. Immersive experiences such as volunteer vacations and single-day events bring Jewish values to life, further strengthening teens’ Jewish identities and connection to the community. Your teen belongs here.
ADULT ENGAGEMENT AT TEMPLE SINAI, WE CONTINUALLY EXPLORE WAYS TO ENRICH THE JEWISH EXPERIENCE and present our community with compelling and entertaining programming. We host world-renowned speakers and sponsor high-level lectures, concerts, special events, and educational programs. The clergy teach stimulating classes that explore text, tradition and spirituality. Temple Sinai is deeply committed to Israel, and we are proud of our strong relationship with AIPAC. We have featured distinguished lecturers to share their perspective on the US-Israel relationship and other topics, including Ehud Barak, President Bill Clinton, Henry Kissinger, Shimon Peres and Elie Wiesel. Additionally, Brotherhood, Friend of a Friend/Chaverot and Sinai Circle all provide exceptional opportunities for engagement as well. There is no shortage of ways to be involved at Temple Sinai. We invite you to learn with us, laugh with us and expand your horizons. Adult Engagement is where purpose, passion and perspective meet.
WORSHIP HOLIDAYS TAKE ON SPECIAL MEANING AND IMPORTANCE AT TEMPLE SINAI, where they are celebrated with enthusiasm. High Holy Days are sacred; Simchat Torah is joyful; Chanukah is meaningful; Purim is exciting; Pesach is rich in tradition; and Shavuot is a personal affirmation to Judaism. Shabbat worship is rich with music and tradition, and appeals to Jews of all backgrounds. Led by our inspiring rabbis and talented cantors, the congregation sings and harmonizes, accompanied by outstanding musicians. Our Shabbat Hallelu services infuse the sanctuary with a palpable energy and Shabbat LaNeshama services offer a peaceful reprieve.
“The clergy have created a warm and diverse culture where spiritual exploration is not only welcome, but encouraged …Temple Sinai is where I can foster my spirituality and become closer to God.” - MARIBETH K.
LIFE CYCLE EVENTS TEMPLE SINAI STANDS TOGETHER AS ONE FOR COMMUNAL CELEBRATIONS AND PERSONAL LIFE CYCLE MOMENTS. We are dedicated to nurturing a sense of community and extended family among our members. We are there for each other in times of illness, birth, death, need and celebration. Members benefit from yahrzeit recognition at worship services and the ability to memorialize loved ones through plaques affixed in our house of worship. Most significantly, it should be noted that our rabbis and cantors only officiate at life cycle events for congregants.
“The care and concern shown to me by Rabbi White upon the death of my father was tremendous. He saw me and my family through a very difficult time all the while strengthening my faith. No small feat. This community is lucky to have him as our guide through the good and the bad times.” - LAUREN F.
B’NEI MITZVAH THE SIMCHA OF B’NEI MITZVAH IS A TREASURED RITE OF PASSAGE. It is a religious experience of sacred value; an important milestone on a student’s Jewish journey and a crucial gateway to our children’s Jewish future. The process of becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Temple Sinai is infused with care, respect and enthusiasm. Our clergy and tutors work closely with the whole family to ensure a meaningful experience that is tailored to their individual needs. Members consistently report that the B’nei Mitzvah process deepens their family’s personal connection immeasurably.
“When my son became a Bar Mitzvah, it was an extremely smooth process. His seven years in Religious School had prepared him beautifully for reading from the Torah and leading the congregational service. When his Bar Mitzvah day arrived, he was truly capable and confident. The Religious School encouraged continued learning at the high school level which enabled him to have a deeper understanding of what it means to be Jewish and that his Jewish education doesn’t just end.” - DAVID W.
INTERFAITH FAMILIES A HOUSE OF INCLUSION, TEMPLE SINAI WELCOMES INTERFAITH FAMILIES, as we foster our spiritual fulfillment and commitment to God. Members who did not grow up in the Jewish tradition are encouraged to participate fully in worship services. Transliteration and English translation are a key feature in all of our prayer books to ensure an accessible worship experience. We provide a Shabbat service guide for those not familiar with Jewish prayer or other worship rituals. Members who were not able to partake in the B’nei Mitzvah experience growing up are able to find meaning and spirituality through the Adult B’nei Mitzvah program. We are blessed to be able to share the joy of Judaism with all of our families.
“Participating in the adult Bat Mitzvah program has been a wonderful experience for me. Learning to read Hebrew and understand more about Judaism changed me as a person and gave me (a convert to the religion) a sense of wholeness I did not have before. My bonds with my faith and with my fellow Adult Bat Mitzvah students have strengthened my connection with the Temple Sinai community.” - KAREN F.
TIKKUN OLAM ONE OF THE HALLMARKS OF REFORM JUDAISM is its tremendous work in the area of Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World). Temple Sinai exemplifies a culture of giving back, is a voice for justice and an engine for generosity. We offer many Tikkun Olam opportunities and all ages are active participants. Our youngest Early Childhood Center students draw cards for IDF soldiers, while Religious School children collect money to plant trees in Israel. The teens travel the world to provide disaster relief, and young adults meet in the city to work with homeless children and organize toy drives. Our adults deliver care packages to the sick, make hot meals for low-income families, clean up abandoned cemeteries, and knit baby caps for preemies. Our annual Mitzvah Morning is the perfect culmination of a year of social action; it is a special time where members of all ages come together as a community to repair the world.
“Being a part of this temple truly inspires me to be my best self. Every time I leave the building, whether after attending a social action meeting or stuffing envelopes as a volunteer, I leave feeling lifted. Temple Sinai encourages me to live all of the values of Judaism I cherish.” - GINNY J.
COMMITTEES & CLUBS THERE ARE INNUMERABLE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED AT TEMPLE SINAI. No matter where your interests and talents lie, there is a group that’s just right for you. Our women’s group, Friend of a Friend/Chaverot, is a dynamic inter-generational assembly of women devoted to enhancing the connection between synagogue, home and community. Brotherhood also offers a variety of programs and activities that benefit our congregation as well as our local community. Participation in these or any of our myriad of affinity groups strengthens the Temple Sinai experience for everyone. Engagement affords members an opportunity for personal growth, social connections and opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the community.
“Being able to give my time to a place I love, and to work with such a talented and dedicated group of people on Temple Sinai’s 70th Anniversary Committee was an incredible experience. The evening was beautiful and very successful, but to me, the most important part was the treasured friends I made along the way.” - ROBYN C.
DIVERSITY DIVERSITY FLOURISHES WITHIN OUR TEMPLE FAMILY and we believe that being inclusive is central to being Jewish. We actively offer a warm welcome to Jews-by-choice, interfaith families and Jews of all abilities, races, cultures, sexual orientations and gender identities. Open dialogue between and within interfaith families is encouraged, and raising awareness of the unique challenges and circumstances faced by interfaith families and their children is explored in a safe space. Jewish LGBTQ individuals and families are embraced within our congregation. We raise awareness of broader LGBTQ issues by engaging in advocacy for equality. We reach out to families with special needs to ensure that they fully share in the warmth of Judaism and Temple Sinai. Our arms are open wide to those who are struggling with illness, in recovery from addictions, and to those seeking spirituality for any reason.
“Temple Sinai has helped me introduce my multicultural, interreligious family and close friends to the beautiful rituals and traditions of Reform Judaism. The temple offers a nurturing, supportive place for our family to learn and grow.” - MICHAEL K.
WELCOME HOME A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR It is my pleasure to welcome you to Temple Sinai of Roslyn. Our exceptional community enriches everyone who joins us. Shabbat and holiday services grant time to nourish the spirit among friends and neighbors. Our rich and varied Adult Engagement programs challenge and expand the mind. Our Early Childhood Center and Religious School create proud, engaged Jewish children, and our highly-acclaimed Teen programs are the largest and most exciting in the area. Our ongoing social programming will introduce you to neighbors who will become lifelong friends. In times of joy and sadness, you will be embraced by compassionate clergy and a community that truly cares. We are here to answer your questions, introduce you to our wonderful Temple, and invite you to become an integral part of our Jewish home. L’Shalom,
Lee Mirrer Executive Director
CONTACT US Rabbi Michael White Senior Rabbi 516.621.6800 x106 rabbiwhite@mysinai.org
Cantor Sergei Schwartz Cantor 516.621.6800 x108 cantorsergeischwartz@mysinai.org
Lulu Belferder Director of Youth Engagement 516.621.6800 x116 lbelferder@mysinai.org
Rabbi Ilana Schachter Associate Rabbi 516.621.6800 x107 rabbischachter@mysinai.org
Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz Director of Education 516.621.6800 x111 cantorelenaschwartz@mysinai.org
Lindsay Dayan Director, Early Childhood Center 516.621.8708 ldayan@mysinai.org
Lee Mirrer Executive Director 516.621.6800 x105 lmirrer@mysinai.org
Temple Office 516.621.6800 templeoffice@mysinai.org
Adrianne Rubin Director of Membership & Engagement 516.621.6800 x114 arubin@mysinai.org
Temple Sinai of Roslyn 425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 516.621.6800 | mysinai.org Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism facebook.com/mysinairoslyn
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@MySinaiRoslyn